The new Nucleon KR-2i and Nucleon KR-R take Alpinestars back protectors to a new level of comfort and performance for street and track use. Using ‘molecular armor’ technology that hardens on impact to absorb force, the Alpinestars Nucleon series protectors are thinner, flexible, and perforated to make them lightweight and breathable. Both the KR-2i insert and the KR-R snap-in protector are CE-certified to Level 2 for back protection, so they transmit half the impact force of a CE Level-1 protector.

Nucleon KR-2i

The KR-2i replaces the Bio Armor CE-Level 1 Back Protector Insert as the standard back protector upgrade for any Alpinestars jacket. The KR-2i earned a CE-Level 2 rating but with less weight and bulk than its predecessor, so adding it your jacket is a painless way to really beef up your daily protection.

The KR-2i comes in three sizes–the small size is for women’s jackets, the medium is for men’s jackets sized ‘medium’ and below, and the large protector fits jackets sized ‘large’ and above. The KR-2i fits older model jackets as well, and fits a variety of non-Alpinestars brand jackets. Bring your jacket in to try out the KR-2i and our other selection of back protectors and armor upgrades.

CE-Level 2 (EN1621-2:2014) certified

Constructed with lightweight and flexible polyurethane impact foam

Anatomically contoured for comfortable fit

Perforations and ventilation channels promote cooling and airflow

The KR-2i is $49.95 and available in sizes small (for women’s Stella products), medium, and large.

Nucleon KR-R

The Alpinestars Nucleon KR-R Back Protector is designed to snap into an Alpinestars suit or jacket and provide a higher level of protection for the spine, and with the addition of kidney and lumbar support. Like the KR-2i, above, the KR-R features molecular armor that hardens on impact when it’s called into action but is soft and light under normal circumstances. The KR-R also features an exo-layer of hard plastic for additional protection against impacts, and it exceeds CE-Level 2 requirements for force transmitted to the body. Still, it remains highly flexible and comfortable, and the kidney belt is height-adjustable for a personalized fit on different torsos.

CE-Level 2 (EN1621-2:2014) certified

Snap-on system for placement inside a suit or race jacket

Hard shell and memory foam for maximum protection and comfort

Kidney belt features waist adjustment sliders

Lined with wicking mesh for heat management

The Alpinestars KR-R is $149.95, and available in sizes extra-small through extra-large.

The Rev’It Cayenne Pro and Dominator Gore-Tex gloves are new to Rev’It’s lineup this year and new to Road Rider this week. Designed to meet the demands of hard-charging adventure and dual sport riders who push their gear to the absolute limit, these first-rate gloves deliver durable protection with premium fit. The Cayenne Pro gloves are perforated for the summer season, while the Dominator Gore-Tex gloves offer multi-season waterproof breathability. Check out these fantastic new gloves, below, and visit us to try them on.

Dominator Gore-Tex

Top of hand constructed with goatskin treated with water-resistant coating; palm constructed with Pittards® WR100X leather which offers permanent water and sweat resistance, excellent softness, durability, and grip

Extra-long visor wipe on pinky finger

Stitched with Rev’It’s proprietary PWR Yarn

Polyurethane sliders on the thumbs and on the base of the palm,

Unique closure system wraps across the top of the hand and interfaces with a Velcro wrist closure for an extremely secure fit with minimal bulk around the wrist

Outer stitching around the fingers ensures irritation-free comfort on long rides

Alpinestars T-GP R Air Jacket is new and improved for 2015, turning it into a standout among its A-stars summertime brethren.

The Alpinestars T-GP R Air shares the top spot in the Alpinestars summer mesh line-up with the T-GP Pro Air, a similar jacket with a slightly more aggressive fit. But the T-GP R Air wins our vote for most protective, most versatile, and most comfortable Alpinestars summer jacket of the year. With a comfortable sport fit, the T-GP R Air is a little bit longer in the torso than the Pro and has a moderate precurve in the arms. Large accordion stretch panels behind the shoulders provide ample mobility in a tuck position. The main torso features light polyester with polyester mesh on the front and back. The no-scratch, low collar is lined all the way around with neoprene.

We love the added protection provided by the polyurethane sliders on the shoulders, but you can beef up the safety factor even more by adding optional Alpinestars CE-rated Bionic Chest Pads or a Level-2 Nucleon Back Protector.

Alpinestars T-GP R Air Jacket

Constructed with 450-denier polyester fabric and polyester mesh

Includes removable wind liner

Includes removable CE-rated shoulder and elbow armor (chest and back armor sold separately)

Polyurethane sliders at the shoulder for heavy-duty abrasion resistance in key impact area

Moderate precurve in the arms and large accordion panels for stretch and mobility on a sportbike

The Rev’It! GT-R Air is back in stock at Road Rider for spring. Like our bestseller, the Rev’It Airwave, the GT-R Air is extremely lightweight and airy, but with a sportier fit with precurved arms and elbow stretch panels for riders leaned over on a sportbike. The GT-R Air also offers a bit more road coverage than the Airwave, with 600-denier polyester running all the way down the arms. The large 3D Air Mesh panels on the chest and upper back flow abundant air but are highly durable. For extra cooling, the GT-R Air is prepared with internal connection zips for the optional Rev’It! Challenger Cooling Vest, also available at Road Rider.

We recommend trying on your new Rev’It! jacket with its coordinating CE Level-2 Seesoft back protector (sold separately). When you’re comparing the thicknesses and weights of different protectors, keep in mind that a protector rated CE Level-2 transmits half the impact force as a CE Level-1 back protector.

The Hornet is Shoei’s premium dual sport helmet, designed to offer the best of both worlds for riders who don’t stop where the pavement ends. The newly released Shoei Hornet X2 boasts many improvements and innovations over its predecessor, the class-leading Hornet DS. Most significantly, the redesigned louvered peak and shell shape of the Hornet X2 dramatically improve the on-road aerodynamics of the helmet, making this an excellent choice for riders who are riding primarily on the street, but who also want the benefit of some offroad capability.

We also love to see the changes Shoei made to the the Hornet’s shield. The thicker and more rigid CNS-2 shield, coupled with an improved gasket, creates a much better seal around the eyeport for reduced noise levels and better durability. An upgrade that most riders ended up wanting to invest in with the Hornet DS is now included–the CNS shield is Pinlock equipped and the helmet comes with a Pinlock insert. Goggles can be worn easily on the Hornet X2 while operating the shield, and are held in place nicely by the noticeable ridge on the back of the helmet.

Overall, the Hornet X2 offers a ton of impressive improvements over the DS, and has really been optimized for the adventure-riding, big bike dual sport riders who want a helmet that performs really well on the road but can still make the cut when things get dirty. Check out all the features of the Shoei Hornet X2 below, and visit us to try it on this weekend!

Large chin intake vent, two adjustable upper air intake vents, and four rear exhaust vents

Air exhaust outlets in rear portion of the neck roll

Includes a removable breath guard and chin curtain

Credentials:

Snell 2015 and DOT-218 approved

The MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) for the Shoei Hornet X2 is $594.99-$603.99 for solids or $715.99 for the Seeker graphics. As always at Road Rider, Shoei helmets are 10%-off MSRP every day.

The Klim Overland Jacket and Overland Pants are technical outer layers designed specifically by Klim for street riders looking for the same lightweight, four-season functionality that Klim famously delivers to offroad and dual-sport riders, but with some necessary street-friendly elements. Both Overland jacket and pants feature lifetime guaranteed Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane technology, CE-rated impact protection, 840-denier Cordura in high-wear areas, and direct ventilation.

Klim Overland Jacket

The Overland Jacket is designed to worn as a lightweight and protective outer shell on hot days, or layered above a fleece jacket, sweatshirt, or other insulation of your choice when it’s chilly. This is made possible by the Gore-Tex 2-layer laminate construction, which bonds the Gore-Tex breathable waterproofing with the jacket’s outer layer. Riders who don’t like to deal with snaps, liners, bunching layers, and other components that weigh down a jacket and can eventually wear down will love the straightforward performance-focus of the Overland. Two vents on the front and two on the rear vent and exhaust air directly through the body of the jacket to keep you cool when you need it. And because the Overland is targeted toward street riders, Klim has added in a D3O Evo CE-rated back protector along with the D3O armor in the elbows and shoulders.

Klim Overland Pants

Like the jacket, the Klim Overland Pants are designed for four-season wear and include D3O armor, in this case at the knees and hips. The pants feature 3-layer Gore-Tex laminate construction, which not only bonds the Gore-Tex membrane to the outer layer, but also to the innermost material. This 3-layer construction ensures the multiple layers won’t budge against the seat or the tank when you’re on the move. Like the jacket, the Overland Pants feature abundant reflectivity to keep you visible at night.

We love the look and fit that comes with RS Taichi jackets, and there’s no question the quality of this Japanese gear brand is impressive, too. The RS Taichi Core 1 perforated leather jacket is one of our favorite new additions to our street riding collection. It’s extremely comfortable and light, and perfect for spring and summer rides in the hills or on the highway.

The Core 1 has a casual fit and a longer length that falls below the belt line, so it’s ideal for everyday riding, roomy enough for light layering, and comfortable for all-day wear. In contrast, the Taichi GMX Motion Jacket has a tighter, shorter-length race fit for the racetrack. The Core 1 comes with a removable wind liner to take the chill off those morning or evening rides. The leather is perforated throughout, and those large stretch panels on the arms and sides of the torso flow air, as well. These lightweight and ventilating materials combined with excellent fit and mobility give the Core 1 an incredibly light and airy feel. Taichi has also left two inches off the bottom of the main zipper so the jacket can flare out a little bit when you’re on the bike. Another common feature of Taichi jackets that we love: the armor in the shoulders and elbows is adjustable, which eliminates the problem of finding a certain brand just doesn’t fit you right in the arms.

The Core 1 is the perfect summertime jacket. Team it up with a pair of riding jeans from Motto Wear or Scorpion for the ultimate casual and protective, 24/7 rider uniform.

RS Taichi Core 1 Jacket

Perforated leather on front and arms

Removable and adjustable CE-approved armor at the shoulders and elbows

Prepared for a Knox TP2 CE Level-2 back protector (sold separately)

Removable wind-blocking inner liner

T-DRY moisture wicking mesh lining

3M Scotchlite reflectivity on the back for nighttime visibility

Waist adjustment tabs at waist over flex fabric for a clean cinch-down

Elastic, durable Schoeller®-dynamic material on the sides and back of sholders shoulders, and elastic polyester knit on arms for flexibility

For as long as riders have been wearing mesh jackets on hot days, there have been riders who opt for safety over comfort and sweat it out in jackets made of heavy, non-mesh materials. Now, the Klim Induction Jacket takes the safety compromise out of staying cool on summer rides. The Induction is made of Klim’s proprietary Karbonite Mesh, which exceeds military spec requirements for tensile strength and has been shown to be up to 750% stronger than mesh found in other motorcycle jackets. The Induction includes D3o Evo armor in the elbows and shoulders, and a CE Level-1 D3o Viper back protector.

Klim Induction Jacket

Made with Klim Karbonite Nylon Mesh and Klim Rhino-Stitch construction for maximum ventilation with heavy abrasion and tear resistance

Schuberth is new to Road Rider this week, and it’s a big, big deal, because when a Schuberth helmet shows up on the shelf it changes the game. Designed, built, and tested in their own factory and laboratory facilities is Magdeburg, Germany, every Schuberth is more than just a helmet, it’s an achievement. Recently Schuberth has achieved the C3 Pro, now on shelves at Road Rider, and now the world’s most advanced modular helmet.

The C3 Pro is the Superman edition of Schuberth’s most popular helmet, the indomitable, original C3 modular (still available). The Pro boasts a number of major improvements and innovations that expand the performance of the excellent C3, and those improvements are evident in all aspects of the helmet, from noise levels and intercom compatibility to stability at speed and safety when you need it. So let’s break down the high points of the Schuberth C3 Pro Modular Helmet:

It’s the quietest Schuberth yet.

Schuberth does something amazing that we’ve never seen other helmet manufactures do–they actually report the decibel (dB) levels recorded from the inside of their helmets. Schuberth says the C3 Pro is their quietest helmet yet, which is no small feat for a modular helmet full of cracks and seams that can cause turbulence and whistling. The regular C3 has a reported 82 dB at 60 mph; the C3 Pro has 80 dB at the same speed. Any decibel measurement in the 80s is very quiet for a helmet at freeway speeds, and the standard C3 is probably already quieter than most helmets available. But we can’t tell you that for sure, because we don’t have a wind tunnel of our own. A two-decibel difference will be hard for all but Spiderman to perceive, but it’s one your ears will be thankful for after five hours of riding. The greater point here, though, is that Schuberth has posted quantitative improvements in noise levels that can be objectively compared to those of other helmets. Since hearing damage is a way-underrated problem and noise level is a HUGE factor for riders when choosing a helmet, why don’t other manufactures follow Schuberth’s example and provide some cold, hard data on their noise levels?

It vents a ton of air.

The C3 Pro features new and improved vents on the chin and the forehead. These vents have been redesigned to provide 60% greater airflow while remaining whisper-quiet. The air enters the front vents and is channeled through the shell to exit down the back of the neckroll, distributing cool air across the rider’s whole head. The forehead vent has multi-stage setting options.

It’s more stable.

The C3 Pro shell features a new molded spoiler shape at the top rear of the helmet. Schuberth says this spoiler helps to reduce downforce by up to 8%. A slightly redesigned chin area in combination with the spoiler create an overall more aerodynamic helmet that is more stable, and therefore will feel lighter and cause less fatigue at high speeds for extended periods of time.

It accepts the SRC neck roll Bluetooth system, built for Schuberth by Cardo, AND it has a Bluetooth booster and FM-radio antenna built into the shell.

The C3 Pro is designed to integrate seamlessly with the SRC-System Bluetooth intercom, made by Cardo (Scala Rider) for Schuberth helmets. The SRC is a replacement neckroll that fits perfectly into the C3 Pro and houses the complete Bluetooth device so the rider has access to the unit’s controls right at their jawline. Integrating the SRC within the helmet instead of on the outside not only makes your life easier, but it also reduces the drag and noise that an exterior unit can cause. To maximize the performance of the SRC, every C3 Pro is built with an antenna right in the shell that plugs into the SRC. This antenna enhances the FM signal and extends the Bluetooth intercom range of the communicator.

Other features:

Shell made of Schuberth’s proprietary S.T.R.O.N.G. Fiber for great strength and low weight

Inner multi-zone foam liner produced through a special injection molding process for optimal shock absorption and distribution

Internal drop-down sun visor with easy to operate slider at the base of the helmet

Anti-Roll-Off System (A.R.O.S.), featured on every Schuberth helmet, prevents the helmet from rolling off of the head in a forward/upward direction (when the chinstrap is closed and correctly adjusted)

The A.R.O.S. ensures the helmet does not pivot off the head from behind; reduces the risk of contact between the chin section of the helmet and the chin or throat; reduces the chance of the helmet coming into contact with the chest as the result of accident

Comfort liner made with CoolMax® and ThermoCool® materials for optimal moisture wicking and anti-microbial properties

The schedule has been released for this year’s inaugural MotoAmerica American road racing championship. There will be eight race weekends, including a single California stop at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the fall when WSBK comes to town. With Round 1 at Circuit of the Americas only weeks away, here’s what we know about our new MotoAmerica championship:

Rebuilding

Late last year, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), in partnership with KRAVE Group LLC, reacquired commercial and promotional rights to American professional road racing from Daytona Motorsports Group (DMG). They called the reinvention MotoAmerica. KRAVE, a motorsports management all-star team comprised of Wayne Rainey, Chuck Aksland, Terry Karges, and Richard Varner, now owns, operates, and promotes MotoAmerica. With Rainey and friends behind the wheel, and with the backing of the AMA and MotoGP management company Dorna, hopes are high that AMA Road Racing will once again be able to breed riders who are ready for success at the international level.

Cynics will tell you we’ve been here before, on the brink of a new beginning for racing in the U.S. Back in 2008 our hopes were riding on another new management team–DMG–to revive the ailing series, but that dream died quickly. After six dismal seasons, each worse than the one before, many of the top riders, teams, and sponsors had abandoned the sport, and media coverage had become near to non-existent. The economic downturn in the early 2000s deserves some of the blame, but poor leadership exacerbated a fragile situation and left the series a wreck.

As things stand, KRAVE and AMA have a long, hard road ahead to bring some life back into American Road Racing, but MotoAmerica is still the best chance AMA racing has seen in a decade to turn our beleaguered series into the national championship it once was. The change won’t happen overnight, but if there was ever a chance to get American racers back on international podiums, MotoAmerica is going to give it to us.

Running the Show

As the new commercial owners of AMA Road Racing rights, KRAVE Group will be running all aspects of MotoAmerica AMA racing and FIM-sanctioned North American Road Racing. KRAVE is named after its founding members: Karges, Rainey, Aksland, and Varner.

Wayne Rainey

He needs no introduction, but here goes anyway: Wayne Rainey is an American road-racing legend. He’s a three-time world champion, Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, and team owner and manager who has run 250cc and 500cc teams in the MotoGP championship.

Terry Karges

Terry Karges is Executive Director of the Peteresen Museum and former Vice President of Marketing at Roush Performance. Karges brings over four decades of motorsports management experience to KRAVE, primarily in the automotive world, and has owned his own racing team.

Richard Varner

Richard Varner is a successful businessman, custom bike entrepreneur, and passionate bike rider, collector, and builder. Rainey, Karges, and Varner (along with The Quail Gathering’s Gordon McCall) came up with the idea to buy the rights to AMA racing while collaborating on a custom Yamaha build and lamenting the decline of the sport in America.

Chuck Aksland

Most recently Director of Track Operations at Circuit of the Americas, Chuck Aksland is a former racer, rider manager, and team manager for Team Roberts for fifteen years, where he met Rainey.

Program

KRAVE’s long-range plan for MotoAmerica is for the race classes to conform to FIM’s (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) rules, so American racing is more in line with the rest of the world. To minimize new expenses for teams already invested in one system, that adjustment will come slowly. Superbike will remain the premier MotoAmerica class, while Superstock 1000 will now be run with it and scored separately. Dunlop is the official spec-tire provider for MotoAmerica, and both Superstock and Superbike will be running Dunlop slicks. Supersport 600 riders will run slicks also, while the class formerly known as Supersport will become Superstock 600, with riders on lightly modified stock bikes and DOT Dunlop tires.

The junior class KTM RC 390 Cup is one of the most exciting aspects of the new series. Riders aged fourteen to twenty-two will compete on very affordable (about $10,000), spec RC 390s, with KTM paying out prizes of $500 to $100 for riders finishing in from first to fifth place. The KTM Cup supports MotoAmerica’s focus on developing young riders to be the next generation of great American racers.

After a 2014 season with no tv coverage to speak of, the new management recognized that bringing racing into homes is key to the commercial success of the series. Shortly after announcing they would be taking over, MotoAmerica penned a deal with CBS Sports Network for weekend and primetime race coverage. Extensive digital coverage will also be available at the motorsports website Torque.TV.

CBS’s broadcasting team will be led by Jonathan Green, an experienced motorcycle race announcer, who will joined in the booth by MotoGP veteran and lively personality Colin Edwards. Cristy Lee, a sportscaster, co-host of the Discovery Channel show “All Girls Garage”, and avid dirt and street rider, will be reporting from the pit.

The Schedule

April 10th, 11th, 12th: Circuit of the Americas (Superbike and SuperstockMotoGP support races)

April 17, 18th, 19th: Road Atlanta

May 15th, 16th, 17th: Virginia International Raceway (VIR)

May 29th, 30th, 31th: Road America

June 12th, 13th, 14th: Barber Motorsports Park

July 19th: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (Superbike and Superstock World Superbike support races)